Makeup for mature skin - fed up looking like a ghost.

[HarveyJJ]

Coming out the other side of menopause my skin has had a huge change. The pores are bigger, and the various foundations I’ve tried either just sit in the lines or I look like a very pale version of myself because I don’t want to put on too much because of the caking.
Ive just returned from holiday and I’m disappointed looking at the photos of myself…at the time I thought I looked okay. Anyway, I AI’d one of the photos asking to redo my makeup and what a transformation..AIBU in thinking I can look like my AI photo and the right makeup is out there? I’m not sure if I’m being unrealistic or if I can find makeup that will give me some colour without putting it on with a trowel!
Any suggestions on what to and where to buy decent foundation?

Im 57 and I am currently using erborian cc cream and my face moisturiser is tallow. People have actually commented how clear my skin is looking (without makeup) recently.

https://www.nx1project.com/products/tallow-raw-honey-face-balm?tw_source=google&tw_adid=&tw_campaign=23011725027&tw_kwdid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23426585918&gclid=CjwKCAjwpefSBhBvEiwAzyE is the link

I have also started to use erborian cc cream. I use a mix of clair and dore. I rarely use foundation these days as it just seems to slide off!

I’m 58 and foundation looks like a joke on me now. I use the tanning face spray Sienna X instead, then a concealer for blemishes. So much more natural and skin looks better. I do however use a good moisturiser, Natura Blisse Diamond Extreme. Along with the supplements I take my skin looks ok.

I think when you notice this it’s time for a shake up of old habits, even foundations marketed for ‘older’ skin just accentuate my pores. I started using a light face tanning mist at night for the same reason, it takes away the dullness, then in the morning just some Garnier daily uv 50 spf the Glow one which has a hint of colour. Primer is key to getting your make up to stay - Elf power grip is a beast.

I don’t use foundation anymore on its own. I dilute it down with a skin tint or tinted moisturiser like the garnier one mentioned above. It still gives me a bit of coverage but the tint does most of the work. I can no longer use a primer. That doesn’t work these days either. Cream products now instead of powders.

I gave up on foundation and bb completely when I hit 50. But someone recommended Dycypher foundation. You upload a photo on their website and tell them the coverage you want and they match a colour to you. I can honestly say I was amazed they got it right first time and the foundation is lovely. I went for sheer matt. I might have been lucky though as a friend of mine did it and the shade they sent her was slightly too dark but if you send it back they change it. I think it all depends on the quality of the photo you send. So the more natural light the better.

I only wear foundation occasionally now. Day-to-day I use concealer where I need it and a little powder, or bb/cc cream, and a bit of bronzer here and there for a bit of colour.

I'm 55 and have given up on foundation now. Like you found it just sits in the cracks and emphasises them. I have tried Smooche which is a colour changing light cream/tint. I really like it but I'm very pale and it really works for me.

I don’t use foundation anymore. I use things like Glowtion from L’Oréal or skin tints. Then I use concealer blusher and bronzer. The key is to not use anything cakey or that will sit in your skin.

Have a look online to see where to put blusher and how to highlight your skin too.

I bought some Lisa Eldridge skin tint last week. Doesn't settle into my lines at all and looks very natural

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, lots to be going on with, like Grannyweather I’m very pale too so I’ll start with trying Smooche.

I use Benefit Porefessional to polyfill the pores on my nose. Then Estée Lauder Double Wear in Fresco. If you go on the website it uses your camera to find the right shade for your face.

I use it sparingly because the coverage is so good. I know some people don’t get on with the new formula but it is perfect for me.

ETA: Go to a big dept store, or even M and S and they should let you take a five day sample of EL foundation (and possibly others) for free so you don’t have to splash out for something that doesn’t work.